Solar options
To the editor:
The recent “Thinking solar power” article suggests a relatively high cost associated with going green, especially here in incentive-poor Kansas. I hope this article doesn’t dissuade readers from considering renewable energy alternatives.
Solar electric (photovoltaic or PV) systems are among the most expensive renewable energy technologies. Several highly effective and lower cost alternatives exist. For example, solar hot water systems produce more than three times the energy compared to PV, and at a fraction of the cost. Even with today’s low energy cost, and Kansas’ lack of incentives, solar hot water systems have a very attractive payback, especially in commercial and industrial applications.